Read Online Flat-Out Celeste by Jessica Park - Free Book Online Page A

‘The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.’ It was originally performed by The Band, but was made most famous by the talented Joan Baez,” she answered energetically. “You may have heard some of the Baez style in my performance, but I did try to put my own character into it.” She brushed her hair from her face and waited for a reaction. “I thought it smart to showcase my abilities in a song that conveyed strong political and emotional themes because many bands are driven by raw passions. It is a song about the Civil War. When the southern states were experiencing defeat. We have all experienced defeat and suffering, have we not?” In fact, Celeste knew that she was experiencing both right at that moment because not only was it clear that she was not about to be the next member of Flinch Noggins, but this catsuit had embedded itself between her butt cheeks in a truly uncomfortable manner. “I did not realize that the term ‘garage band’ was so literal and that bands do, in fact, rehearse their performances in actual garages. How… inspiring.” She glanced at the trash bins and the workbench piled with tools.
    The drummer hit his sticks together and tapped his combat boots on the concrete floor of the garage. “Here’s the thing, Cecile…”
    “Celeste,” she corrected him. “Celeste Watkins.”
    “Okay, right, right. You’ve got a smokin’ look. I mean, you’re, like, seriously hot. But we’re hardcore, man, and that was all Joni Mitchell and stuff.”
    She sighed. “Joan Baez. I do not know any of the popular skate punk songs, but I am a diligent worker and assure you that I could pick up your style very quickly.”
    The guitarist shook his head. “It wasn’t even good Joni Mitchell, dude.”
    “Joan Baez!” she said with frustration. But it didn’t matter. She walked stiffly to the dusty table by the door to gather her things. “Would one of you gentlemen mind lifting my bag for me? I have concerns about attempting to bend over in this outfit, lest I tear the seams. Or break a rib.”
    All three band members shot out of their seats and rushed to her side. The bass player reached her first and gently put her bag over her shoulder. “You don’t seem like much of a skater chick. You know, with the weird song and the talking and all. You don’t really fit in here.”
    “I just thought… maybe I could.” She took a few perilous steps forward on her spiked-heel vinyl boots. “I do want to thank you for allowing me this opportunity. Goodbye. I wish the Flinch Noggins great success. I am sure you will find a suitable lead singer in no time. I am terrifically sorry for having wasted your time today. This was indeed an egregious error on my part.”
    Celeste hobbled out of the garage and made her way to the car. She fumbled with her keys in the cold November air. Tomorrow was Thanksgiving, yet she was not feeling very thankful right now.
    “Hey, Celeste! Wait up!” The drummer bounded over and leaned against the car. “You all right?”
    “Did I leave something behind?” she asked.
    “No,” he said. “I just wanted to make sure you’re okay. You looked kinda bummed back there.”
    “I am just fine. I must apologize again. I should not have come.”
    “Nah, don’t say that. You did your own thing. I admire that. I’m sorry this didn’t work out. I’m Zeke, by the way. I don’t know if we even told you our names.” The drummer finished securing his long hair into an elastic and held out a hand. She put hers into his and met his look. His brown eyes were friendly, and she found this disarming, especially since the band was clearly unhappy with her performance. “Don’t be discouraged,” he said.
    “The audition process is just a process. It is not, I know, a guarantee of acceptance.”
    “Look, you did a nice job, although this Joan Baez is not really our thing. She must be a cool chick, though, since you like her.” His breath was white in the night air. “I’m not sure